U.S. patent application number 12/567086 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for surge protection device for isolating premise devices.
Invention is credited to Erdogan Alkan.
Application Number | 20110075311 12/567086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43780131 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110075311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alkan; Erdogan |
March 31, 2011 |
SURGE PROTECTION DEVICE FOR ISOLATING PREMISE DEVICES
Abstract
A surge protector comprises an internal circuitry configured to
isolate a premise device from a surge input. In one embodiment, the
internal circuitry can comprise a first signal path and a second
signal path that is inductively coupled to the first signal path.
Each of the first signal path and the second signal path can
comprise windings, such as the windings that are found in an RF
transformer. The internal circuitry can also comprise a blocking
element, which is coupled to the second signal path so that the
blocking element receives the surge input before the premise
device.
Inventors: |
Alkan; Erdogan;
(Fayetteville, NY) |
Family ID: |
43780131 |
Appl. No.: |
12/567086 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/119 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/119 |
International
Class: |
H02H 3/22 20060101
H02H003/22 |
Claims
1. A surge protection device for isolating a premise device from a
surge input, said surge protection device comprising: a first surge
path receiving a downstream bandwidth; a second surge path
inductively coupled to the first surge path, the second surge path
receiving the downstream bandwidth after the first surge path; and
a blocking element coupled to the second surge path in a position
receiving the surge input before the premise device.
2. A surge protection device according to claim 1, further
comprising a first winding coupled to the first surge path, and a
second winding coupled to the second surge path, wherein the
downstream bandwidth passes from the first winding to the second
winding.
3. A surge protection device according to claim 1, further
comprising an RF transformer coupling the first surge path and the
second surge path.
4. A surge protection device according to claim 3, wherein the RF
transformer comprises one or more of a Ruthroff transformer, a
Guanella transformer, a Marchand transformer, and a Balun
transformer.
5. A surge protection device according to claim 1, further
comprising a filter circuit coupled to the second surge path
between the blocking element and the premise device.
6. A surge protection device according to claim 5, wherein the
filter circuit comprises one or more of a low pass filter, a high
pass filter, and a bandpass filter.
7. A surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
blocking element comprises a dielectric material.
8. A surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein the
blocking element comprises a capacitor.
9. A signal conditioning device configured to isolate a premise
device from a surge input generated in a CATV system, said signal
conditioning device comprising: a first signal path for receiving a
downstream bandwidth from the CATV system; an RF transformer
coupled to the first signal path, the RF transformer comprising a
first winding and a second winding inductively coupled to the first
winding; a second signal path coupled to the second winding, the
second signal path for transmitting the downstream bandwidth to the
premise device; and a blocking element coupled to the second signal
path in a position receiving the surge input before the premise
device.
10. A signal conditioning device according to claim 9, wherein the
RF transformer comprises one or more of a Ruthroff transformer, a
Guanella transformer, a Marchand transformer, and a Balun
transformer.
11. A signal conditioning device according to claim 9, further
comprising a filter circuit coupled to the second signal path
between the blocking element and the premise device.
12. A surge protection device according to claim 11, wherein the
filter circuit comprises one or more of a low pass filter, a high
pass filter, and a bandpass filter.
13. A system for blocking a surge input from a premise device in a
premise, the system comprising: a surge protection device secured
to the premise, the surge protection device comprising an internal
circuitry having a head-end side and a premise side, the internal
circuitry comprising, a first surge path coupled to the head-end
side, the first surge path receiving a downstream bandwidth, a
second surge path inductively coupled to the first surge path, the
second surge path for transmitting the downstream bandwidth to the
premise side, and a blocking element coupled to the internal
circuitry, the blocking element receiving the surge input before
the premise device, wherein the surge input passes through one or
both of the first winding and the second winding to a ground.
14. A system according to claim 13, further comprising a first
winding coupled to the first surge path, and a second winding
coupled to the second surge path, wherein the downstream bandwidth
passes from the first winding to the second winding.
15. A system according to claim 13, further comprising an RF
transformer coupling the first surge path and the second surge
path.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the RF transformer
comprises one or more of a Ruthroff transformer, a Guanella
transformer, a Marchand transformer, and a Balun transformer.
17. A system according to claim 13, further comprising a filter
circuit coupled to the second surge path between the blocking
element and the premise device.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the filter circuit
comprises one or more of a low pass filter, a high pass filter, and
a bandpass filter.
19. A system according to claim 13, wherein the blocking element
comprises a dielectric material.
20. A system according to claim 13, wherein the blocking element
comprises a capacitor.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to surge protection, and
more particularly, to embodiments of a surge protection device that
isolate devices from surge inputs by preventing the surge input
from reaching the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Community antenna television ("CATV") systems provide a
premise with many services including, but not limited to, Internet
service, telephone service (e.g., voice-over-Internet protocol
("VOIP") telephone), television service, and music service. Each of
these services requires the CATV system and the premise to exchange
bandwidth, such as, for example, radio frequency ("RF") signals,
and digital signals, among many others. Typically the CATV system
is configured to use bandwidths that are separated from one another
for the purpose of grouping transmissions, and more often the
grouping is by the direction that the transmission are transmitted
or received in the CATV system. That is, transmissions that have
one frequency may be transmitted or received relative to the
premise and/or the head-end of the CATV system in a direction that
is different from transmissions that have a second frequency. As
one example, transmissions that originate from the head-end
facility and are transmitted to the premise are referred to herein
as a downstream bandwidth, while transmissions that originate from
the premise and are transmitted to the head-end facility are
referred to herein as an upstream bandwidth.
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a CATV system 100 that
includes a head-end facility 102 and a local network 104, which are
connected to the head-end facility 102 by distribution lines 106.
The local network 104 includes a feed tap 108, a drop-line 110, and
a portion 112 with a premise 114. The premise 114 is connected to
the head-end facility 102 via the combination of the distribution
line 106, the feed tap 108, and the drop-line 110. The system 100
further includes a downstream bandwidth 116 and an upstream
bandwidth 118, both of which are discussed in more detail
below.
[0004] Typically the downstream bandwidth 116 and the upstream
bandwidth 118 are defined by upper and lower cutoff frequencies.
Exemplary frequencies for the downstream bandwidth 116 are more
than about 54 Mhz, and in one application can be from about 54 Mhz
to about 1002 Mhz. Frequencies for use as the upstream bandwidth
118 are less than about 40 Mhz, and in one application can be from
about 5 Mhz to about 40 Mhz.
[0005] The terms "downstream bandwidth," and "upstream bandwidth"
are used herein to generally describe some of the transmissions
that are transmitted, exchanged, and manipulated within systems
such as the CATV system 100. As is inherent in systems such as
system 100, these terms are used in a manner that describes any
number of transmissions. Moreover, each of the transmissions that
are described by these terms may exhibit properties that are
similar to, or different from, other the properties of other
transmissions. These other transmissions can also be classified by
the terms "downstream bandwidth," and/or "upstream bandwidth" as
used in connection with the various embodiments of the present
invention that are disclosed, described, and contemplated
herein.
[0006] In addition to CATV systems, systems that are configured
similar to the system 100 of FIG. 1 include, but are not limited
to, other uni-directional, and bi-directional communication systems
that communicate with remote premises, e.g., premise 114. Similar
systems may conduct the transmissions via transmission lines, e.g.,
distribution lines 106, and drop lines 110. Transmission lines of
the type used as the transmission lines are typically
transmission-carrying conductors such as, for example, coaxial
cable, shielded cable, multi-core cable, ribbon cable, and
twisted-pair cable, among others.
[0007] Premises that are connected to the system 100 such as the
premise 114 include, for example, homes, apartments (e.g.,
individual apartments, and/or townhomes), and businesses. These
premises can have any number of devices and or appliances
(collectively, "premise devices") that are coupled either directly
or indirectly to the drop-line 110. Techniques and equipment that
are used to connect each of the individual premise devices to the
head-end facility 102 are generally well-known to those familiar
with CATV systems, and therefore a detailed discussion is not
provided for purposes of the present discussion.
[0008] The premise devices can include, but are not limited to,
modems, desktop computers, notebook computers, televisions, gaming
consoles, set-top-boxes (STB), and set-top-units (STU), among many
others. These are generally configured to communicate with the
head-end facility 102, via the downstream bandwidth 116 and the
upstream bandwidth 118. For example, the premise devices typically
receive the downstream bandwidth 116 from the head-end facility
102, and can transmit the upstream bandwidth 118 to the head-end
facility 102.
[0009] During periods of normal operation, systems such as the CATV
system 100 conduct transmissions that are found within the
frequency bands discussed above. It is recognized, however, that
the scope, construction, and general breadth of the CATV system 100
makes these systems susceptible to transient events such as, for
example, lightning strikes, power outages, and switching events.
These transient events can generate inputs (hereinafter, "surge
inputs") that fall outside of the frequency bands for the upstream
bandwidth and the downstream bandwidth. Moreover, it is common that
the transient events can generate surge inputs that fall into
frequency bands that are below 1 Mhz. For example, if a component
of the CATV system is struck by lightning, the surge inputs
typically have a frequency that is less than about 1 Mhz, and
energy levels that are sufficient to damage the premise
devices.
[0010] Surge inputs like the ones discussed above are harmful to
many electrical components, and particularly harmful to premise
devices that are connected to the CATV system. It is therefore
preferable to provide some type of surge protection device, which
is designed to prevent damage to the premise device. However, a
prerequisite for any such surge protection device is that it should
also pass transmissions that are found in the desired frequency
bands, such as, for example, the frequency bands of the downstream
bandwidth and the upstream bandwidth.
[0011] Many surge protection devices are implemented in series
between the part of CATV system where the surge input originates
and the premise devices. Unfortunately, these devices typically do
not prevent the surge input from reaching the premise device.
Rather the devices (e.g., gas discharge tubes ("GDTs") and/or metal
oxide varisters ("MOVs")) are invariably constructed with a
built-in delay, or response time. This delay allows the surge input
to momentarily reach the premise device before the device is fully
activated to completely protect the premise device from the surge
input. Such delay is inherently detrimental because the slower the
response time, the more likely it is that damage will occur to the
premise device.
[0012] Therefore, a surge protection device is needed that can
prevent the surge input from reaching the premise device, and more
particularly, a surge protection device is needed that it is fully
activated so as to provide complete protection from the surge
input. It is also desirable that the surge protection device is
constructed in a manner so as to increase its life expectancy, and
to reduce the need for maintenance and/or replacement after the
transient event occurs in the CATV system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Addressing in one aspect the issues with the MOVs and the
GDTs, embodiments of the present invention are configured to
isolate the premise devices from the surge inputs. For example, the
surge protection devices that incorporate the concepts of the
present invention can respond to surge inputs significantly faster
than MOVs and GDTs, e.g., by isolating the premise devices from the
surge inputs in a manner that prevents damage to the premise
device. As discussed in more detail below, these embodiments also
permit the transmissions that are in the favorable bandwidths to
reach the premise device.
[0014] It is described below that in one embodiment, the present
invention embodies a surge protection device for isolating a
premise device from a surge input, in which the device can comprise
a first surge path receiving a downstream bandwidth, and a second
surge path inductively coupled to the first surge path, the second
surge path receiving the downstream bandwidth after the first surge
path. The surge protection device can further comprise a blocking
element coupled to the second surge path in a position receiving
the surge input before the premise device.
[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention embodies a
signal conditioning device configured to isolate a premise device
from a surge input in a CATV system, in which the signal
conditioning device can comprise a first signal path for receiving
a downstream bandwidth from the CATV system. The device can also
comprise an RF transformer that is coupled to the first signal
path, the RF transformer can comprise a first winding and a second
winding inductively coupled to the first winding. The device can
comprise a second signal path that is coupled to the second
winding, the second signal path for transmitting the downstream
bandwidth to the premise device. The device can further comprise a
blocking element coupled to the second signal path in a position
receiving the surge input before the premise device.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the present invention embodies a
system for blocking a surge input from a premise device in a
premise. The system can comprise a surge protection device secured
to the premise, the surge protection device can comprise an
internal circuitry having a head-end side and a premise side. The
internal circuitry can comprise a first surge path coupled to the
head-end side, the first surge path receiving a downstream
bandwidth, a second surge path inductively coupled to the first
surge path, the second surge path for transmitting the downstream
bandwidth to the premise side, and a blocking element coupled to
the internal circuitry, the blocking element receiving the surge
input before the premise device. The system is further configured
wherein the surge input passes through one or both of the first
winding and the second winding to a ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted,
however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be
considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to
other equally effective embodiments.
[0018] Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of
the invention, references can be made to the following detailed
description, read in connection with the drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a CATV system that includes
one example of a surge protector that is made in accordance with
concepts of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic detailed diagram of a portion of a
CATV system, such as the CATV system of FIG. 1, that includes an
embodiment of a surge protection device that is made in accordance
with concepts of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another example of a surge
protection device for use in a CATV system, such as the CATV system
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] There is provided a surge protection device, and
implementation thereof, embodiments of which are useful to isolate
sensitive equipment such as televisions, set-top-boxes, and modems.
These embodiments can be particularly configured to prevent surge
inputs, such as those surge inputs that result from lightning
strikes within the CATV system, from reaching these devices. For
example, it is discussed in more detail below that certain
embodiments of the surge protection devices can comprise a single
pathway that is configured not only to pass transmissions between
the premise devices and the head-end facility, but also to block
the surge inputs and prevent them from generating voltage at the
premise device. These embodiments typically include one or more
groups of electrical circuits that are each configured to operate,
separately or in conjunction with other electrical circuits, to
pass the downstream bandwidth, while also being configured to block
the surge input so as to prevent the surge input from damaging the
premise devices.
[0023] The electrical circuits that are used to implement one or
more of the concepts of the present invention are constructed in a
manner that interconnect a variety of electrical elements such as,
but not limited to, resistors, capacitors, transistors, inductors,
transmission lines, and switches. These circuits may further
communicate with other circuits (and/or devices), which execute
high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as process
firmware, and software instructions. Exemplary circuits of this
type include, but are not limited to, field programmable gate
arrays ("FPGAs"), and application specific integrated circuits
("ASICs"). While all of these elements, circuits, and devices
function individually in a manner that is generally understood by
those artisans that have ordinary skill in the CATV arts, it is
their combination and integration into functional electrical groups
and circuits that generally provide for the concepts of the present
invention that are disclosed and described herein.
[0024] In addition to the electrical circuits that are described
above, as well as the other embodiments of the surge protection
device that are provided in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described in detail
below, it is likewise practical that the concepts of the present
invention are implemented as part of, or in combination with, other
signal processing devices that are used to connect the premise with
the head-end facility 102 (FIG. 1) of the CATV system 100 (FIG. 1).
These combinations may include devices that condition the upstream
bandwidth. The combinations may also include devices that provide
signal attenuation, signal processing, and signal amplification of
one or both of the upstream bandwidth and the downstream bandwidth.
This functionality may be incorporated into the devices provided
herein, and also in separate devices that are coupled to, or that
otherwise interface with the devices that are made in accordance
with the present invention.
[0025] In view of the foregoing, and as can be seen in FIG. 2,
there is illustrated an example of a surge protection device 200
that is made in accordance with concepts of the present invention.
Here, it is seen that the surge protection device 200 can comprise
an internal circuitry 202 that has a head-end side 204 and a
premise side 206. The internal circuitry 202 can also comprise a
blocking element 208, a first surge path 210 coupled to the
head-end side 204, and a second surge path 212, which is coupled to
the premise side 206, and the blocking element 208. Each of the
first surge path 210 and the second surge path 212 can comprise a
ground 214.
[0026] The premise side 206 is coupled to a feed tap 216 via a drop
line 218. The signal conditioning device 200 is positioned in a
portion 220 of a system (not shown), and more particularly the
premise side 206 is coupled to a premise 222. This configuration is
similar to the portion 112 of the system 100 of FIG. 1, described
in the Background section above.
[0027] The premise 222 receives a downstream bandwidth 224, and
generates an upstream bandwidth 226, which is discussed in more
detail below. The premise 222 includes a head-end access point 228,
and an internal wiring system 230 with a plurality of input ports
232, and a plurality of lines 234, which connect the head-end
access point 228 with each of the input ports 232. The premise 222
may also have a number of signal operative devices 236 that
includes several premise devices 238 that generate a transmission
240.
[0028] The premise 222 further includes connective cables 242 that
connect the premise devices 238 to, e.g., the input ports 232.
Wireless technology is also suitable for connecting the premise
devices 238 to the input ports 232. The transmissions 240 are
carried by one or more of the lines 234 towards the head-end access
point 228, and exit the premise 222 at the head-end access point
228. Exemplary transmissions that the transmission 238 can be
include, but are not limited to, transmissions from modems,
set-top-boxes, televisions, computers, and any combination
thereof.
[0029] It is shown in FIG. 2 that the surge protection device 200
can be secured to the outside of the premise 222 such as, for
example, to the outside of a home, apartment, office building, and
the like. In other implementations, however, the surge protection
device 200 is configured so that it can be positioned inside of the
premise 222. This configuration includes positions inside of the
premise 222 where the surge protection device 200 can receive the
downstream bandwidth 224 before it is transmitted to the premise
devices 236.
[0030] The terms "head-end side" and "premise side" are used to
refer to opposite ends of an element or object, e.g., the surge
protection device 200 and/or the internal circuitry 202, and do not
limit the scope and extent of the present disclosure. Rather, and
as discussed in connection with the surge protection devices that
are contemplated by the present disclosure, parts of the surge
protection devices are configured so that they receive the
downstream bandwidth 224 before other parts of the surge protection
device. While generally being defined as the relative location
between these parts, it will in some embodiments include one part
of the surge protection device 200, e.g., the head-end side 204,
which receives the downstream bandwidth 224 (including the surge
input) before another part of the surge protection device 200,
e.g., the premise side 206.
[0031] As set forth in the discussion above, the CATV system can be
susceptible to lightning and other transient events that can result
in surge inputs, and more particularly surge inputs that are found
in the downstream bandwidth 224. To address these surge inputs, the
internal circuitry 202 can be constructed so that the surge
protection device 200 can isolate the premise device 238 from the
surge inputs, without disrupting the communication between the
head-end facility (e.g., the head-end facility 102 (FIG. 1)) and
the premise device 238. This communication includes transmissions
that are found in the bandwidth of both the downstream bandwidth
224 and the upstream bandwidth 226. For example, surge protection
devices of the type contemplated herein can be constructed to
accommodate a very broad bandwidth. That is, embodiments of the
surge protection device 200 can accommodate bandwidths that may be
greater than 3000 Mhz, with one particular construction of the
surge protection device in this range set being constructed to
accommodate from about 5 Mhz to about 2000 Mhz.
[0032] Although a variety of constructions can be used to embody
the concepts that are contemplated by the present disclosure, it
may be desirable that the first surge path 210, and the second
surge path 212 (hereinafter "the surge paths") comprise cables and
conducting devices such as coaxial cable, optical cable, as well as
other conducting devices consistent with the transmissions being
conducted in the particular application, e.g., the CATV system 100
(FIG. 1). The surge paths can also comprise electrical elements,
and/or electrical circuits that can communicate the transmissions
between the head-end side 204 and the premise side 206. Exemplary
elements can include, for example, inductors and similar windings
that can facilitate communication between the surge paths, such as
by providing for coupling (e.g., inductively coupling) of the surge
input, as well as the transmissions of the downstream bandwidth 224
and upstream bandwidth 226.
[0033] When used in conjunction with the surge paths, the blocking
element 208 can be configured to prevent the surge inputs from
generating voltage that can damage the premise device 226. That is,
the blocking element 208 can be selected so as to block the surge
input from reaching a load, e.g., the premise device 226. Suitable
blocking elements for use as the blocking element 208 can block
surge inputs that can cause damage. These blocking elements can
also permit transmissions such as radio frequency ("RF") signals to
pass through to the premise device 226. This selective passage can
be accomplished using a suitably designed electrical circuit, which
comprises one or more electrical elements such as a capacitor, a
resistor, a transistor, an inductor, and any combinations thereof.
Details of one construction of internal circuitry for use as the
internal circuitry 202 is provided in connection with the
embodiment of the surge protection device that is illustrated in
FIG. 3 and described below.
[0034] For example, and with reference to FIG. 3, another
embodiment of a surge protection device 300 is illustrated. Here it
is seen that the surge protection device 300 can comprise an
internal circuitry 302, a head-end side 304, a premise side 306, a
blocking element 308, a first surge path 310, a second surge path
312, and a ground 314. The surge protection device 300 can also
comprise an RF transformer 316, which is coupled to the first surge
path 312 and the second surge path 314. This configuration permits
transmission of a downstream bandwidth 318, and an upstream
bandwidth 320 between the head-end side 304 and the premise side
306. The RF transformer 316 can comprise a plurality of windings
322. In one example, the windings 322 can comprise a first winding
324 and a second winding 326 coupled, respectively, to the first
surge path 310 and the second surge path 312.
[0035] The surge protection device 300 can further comprise at
least one filter device 328, which is coupled to the second surge
path 312. The filter device 328 can comprise a filter circuit 330,
such as, but not limited to, a low pass filter, a high pass filter,
a bandpass filter, and any combinations thereof. In one example,
the filter circuit 330 is positioned so that it receives the
downstream signal 318 after the blocking element 308, and it
receives the upstream signal 320 before the blocking element
308.
[0036] It may be desirable that the RF transformer 316 is
constructed for use with a bandwidth of at least about 3000 Mhz,
with one typical construction being compatible with bandwidths from
about 5 Mhz to about 2000 Mhz. It is contemplated, however, that a
variety of configurations and constructions are possible for the RF
transformer 316 so that the surge protection device 300 is made in
accordance with the concepts, scope and spirit of the present
disclosure. Examples of suitable transformers for use as the RF
transformers 316 can include, but are not limited to, a Ruthoff
transformer, a Guanella transformer, a Marchand transformer, a
Balun transformer, and any combinations thereof.
[0037] The blocking element 308 is typically positioned so that it
receives the surge input after the RF transformer 316. The blocking
element 308 can also be positioned so that it receives the upstream
bandwidth 320 before the RF transformer 316. As discussed above,
blocking elements of the type that are used as the blocking element
308 are generally selected so that, when placed in series with the
RF transformer 316, the blocking element 308 isolates the premise
device, e.g., the premise device 236 (FIG. 2). In addition to the
examples discussed above of the suitable devices, circuits, and
combinations that can be used as the blocking element 308, it is
further contemplated that devices with a dielectric material can be
implemented as part of the blocking element 308.
[0038] Discussing the operation of the surge protection device 300
in more detail, it is contemplated that the device 300 is
configured to pass the upstream bandwidth 320 from the premise side
306 to the head-end side 304. The device 300 is likewise configured
to pass the downstream bandwidth 318 from the head-end side 304 to
the premise side 306. These features allow the premise devices (not
shown) to communicate with the head-end facility (not shown). In
one embodiment of the device 300, these features are facilitated by
the use of the RF transformer 316, in which the downstream
bandwidth 318, and the upstream bandwidth 320 can be conducted via
the first surge path 310, and the second surge path 312, and
inductively coupled across the windings 322 so as to facilitate
passage between the head-end side 304 and the premise side 306. In
the event that surge inputs are generated in the system (not
shown), the device 300 is configured to block the surge inputs from
causing damage to the premise devices. In one embodiment, this
feature is facilitated by the blocking element 308, and more
particularly the blocking element 308 is selected so as to block
the surge input long enough for the surge input to dissipate
through the windings 318 of the RF transformer 316, and to a level
that it can no longer damage the premise devices.
[0039] It is contemplated that numerical values, as well as other
values that are recited herein are modified by the term "about",
whether expressly stated or inherently derived by the discussion of
the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "about" defines
the numerical boundaries of the modified values so as to include,
but not be limited to, tolerances and values up to, and including
the numerical value so modified. That is, numerical values can
include the actual value that is expressly stated, as well as other
values that are, or can be, the decimal, fractional, or other
multiple of the actual value indicated, and/or described in the
disclosure.
[0040] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will
be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in
detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by claims that can be
supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where
exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain
number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary
embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more
than the certain number of elements.
* * * * *